Embracing the New Era of Adaptive Organizations
Jorge Valdés Garciatorres, MDO, PMP
Desarrollo de Negocios en Ingeniosi | MDO, PMP
From Employees to Collaborators
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By: Jorge Valdés Garciatorres, MOD, PMP
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"Throughout the long history of mankind (and the animal kingdom, too)that those who have learned to collaborate and improvise most effectively have prevailed."?- Charles Darwin
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It is not a secret that the way we approach work has been changing (also) at a rapid pace over the past two decades. The changes we are experiencing are in several areas and perspectives. The fact is that the world brings a constantly evolving landscape of how we interact, and you see headlines everywhere talking about the future of work. Well, the future of work is NOW, and we need to refresh our approach to adapt our mindset to this new era, and this includes the conscious use of the words we choose to describe our team members, because in my opinion, it can significantly impact our organizational culture and dynamics.
As we enter a new era of business and leadership characterized by a shift from mechanistic to systemic approaches, it's critical to reevaluate how we define our workplace relationships. The term "employee" has long been a staple of the corporate lexicon, but as we strive for more inclusive, empowering, and flexible workplaces, it's time to consider a shift in terminology. I found that "collaborator" – is a word that better captures the ethos of modern work environments.
I must admit that I am a closet linguist, as a non-native English speaker I try to better understand the intended meaning of authors and I often find myself investigating the origin of words, this time is no exception, so here are my findings about the word "employee" and my suggestion to use what I think is a more appropriate term.
Origins of the word "employee”
The word "employee" comes from the French word "employé," which in turn comes from the verb "employer," meaning "to use" or "to employ. The verb "employer" comes from the Latin word "implicare," which means to involve or entangle.
?Here's a quick breakdown of its etymological journey:
Latin roots: The Latin word "implicare" combines "in-" (meaning "in") and "plicare" (meaning "to involve" or "to entangle"). Over time, this evolved in Latin to mean "to use" or "to employ.
Old French: The Latin "implicare" evolved into Old French as "employer," meaning "to use" or "to employ.
Modern French: In Modern French, "employer" still means "to use" or "to hire," and the noun form "employé" came to refer specifically to a person hired to perform work or services.
Adoption into English: The term "employé" was adopted into English as "employee" in the mid-19th century, around the time of the Industrial Revolution, reflecting the growing need to describe individuals who worked for wages under the direction of an employer.
The use of "employee" became widespread because it succinctly described the relationship between a worker and an employer in an industrial and post-industrial economic context.
Origins of the word "Collaborator”
The word "collaborator" comes from the Latin word "collaborare," which is a combination of "com-," meaning "with" or "together," and "laborare," meaning "to work. Thus, "collaborare" translates to "work together. This term reflects the concept of individuals coming together to combine their efforts toward a common goal, emphasizing cooperative and joint effort.?
The term "collaborator" was introduced into English in the early 19th century, with its first recorded use around 1802. It originally described a co-worker or someone who worked with others on a project. Over time, it has come to mean anyone who works with others, whether in intellectual, creative, or professional endeavors.
My thoughts on the terminology change
Depending on the perspective, this could have major implications, for example, from a legal and regulatory perspective, this change may not be easy to implement, however, my reflections are around the cultural and systems perspectives in organizations.
Increase autonomy: The traditional notion of an "employee" often implies a hierarchical structure in which individuals have limited decision-making power. In contrast, a "collaborator" suggests a more egalitarian relationship. Collaborators are seen as autonomous professionals who contribute their unique skills and perspectives to achieve common goals. This shift not only empowers individuals, but also fosters a culture of innovation and empowerment.
Foster mutual investment: Referring to team members as collaborators emphasizes a partnership mentality. It means that both parties-the organization and the individual-are invested in each other's success. This mutual investment can increase job satisfaction, loyalty, and overall performance. When people feel that their growth is intertwined with the organization's success, they are more likely to go the extra mile.
Recognize a holistic identity: The label "employee" can sometimes reduce a person's identity to their job role, overlooking their broader skills, interests, and contributions. "Collaborator" recognizes the diverse talents and perspectives that individuals bring to the table, both inside and outside the workplace. This holistic recognition can lead to a more engaged and fulfilled workforce.
?Reduce power imbalances: Using the term "collaborator" can help reduce perceived power imbalances. It promotes a sense of equality and shared responsibility, creating a more inclusive and cohesive team environment. When people feel like equals, they are more likely to communicate openly, share ideas, and collaborate effectively.
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?Value unique contributions: The term "collaborator" emphasizes the unique contributions and ideas of each individual. It moves away from the notion of workers as interchangeable parts of a machine and toward recognition of their distinct value. This can foster a culture of appreciation and respect where everyone's contributions are valued and considered.
?Adapt to modern work practices: The modern workplace is increasingly characterized by flexibility, remote work, and adaptive team structures. The term "collaborator" aligns with these trends and reflects the dynamic and responsive nature of modern work environments. It supports a culture where flexibility and innovation are not only encouraged, but fundamental principles.
Now, In some cases, I don't like the comparisons that some make between two things, because in my view it's not just one thing versus the other, often what we have is a continuum, for example one that I see very often is the comparison of manager versus leader. However, in the case of employee and collaborator, I am not sure it is a continuum, more than a true vs relationship. Here is a table with different connotations and perspectives of both terms:
Making the Shift: Practical Steps
From the perspective of the organization's culture and systems, changing terminology isn't just about words; it's about fostering a cultural shift.
Here are some practical steps that I think could help in making the shift:
Communicate the change: Clearly communicate the reason for the change to your team. Explain how this change reflects the organization's values and commitment to a more inclusive and empowering work environment.
Lead by example: Leaders should model the use of the new terminology in all communications and interactions. Consistent use by leaders will help reinforce the change throughout the organization.
Incorporate into policies: Update internal documents, job descriptions, and policies to reflect the new terminology. This includes employee handbooks, onboarding materials, and official communications.
Celebrate employees: Create initiatives that celebrate employee contributions. Recognize and reward innovative ideas, teamwork, and unique contributions. Highlight stories of collaboration within the organization.
Foster a collaborative culture: Beyond terminology, invest in building a culture that supports collaboration. Encourage cross-functional teams, provide opportunities for professional development, and create spaces for open dialogue and idea sharing.
The shift from "employee" to "collaborator" is more than a change in terminology; it's a reflection of the evolving nature of work. It emphasizes autonomy, mutual investment, holistic identity, equality, and the unique contributions of everyone. By adopting this language, organizations can foster a more inclusive, empowering, and dynamic work environment that better aligns with the demands and values of the modern workforce.
As we continue to navigate the future of work, it's critical to reflect on the language we use and its impact on our organizational culture.
What do you think?
Would you join me in the proposed approach?
Are we ready to embrace terminology that truly reflects our values and the collaborative spirit of the modern workplace?
How do you see the role of "collaborator" shaping the future of your organization?
Suggested References
Photo Unsplash by: Priscila Du Preez: https://unsplash.com/es/fotos/people-laughing-and-talking-outside-during-daytime-nF8xhLMmg0c
Cabrera Derek and Laura, Flock not Clock: Design, Align, and Lead to Achieve Your Vision, 2018
Laloux Frederic Reinventing Organizations: A Guide to Creating Organizations Inspired by the Next Stage of Human Consciousness, February 2014
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Serving the next-generation of companies to thrive with uncertainty. Cofounder of the Business Agility Institute.
3 个月This is a truly insightful article. I love the history of language and you touch on many of the hidden implications of how we describe and see the people in our organization and the relationships we build with them.